New York, 18 June 2026: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has
called for stronger international action to protect civilians, uphold international humanitarian
law and sustained international support for repatriation of the Rohingyas to their own
country Myanmar.
Speaking at a high-level panel of the 2026 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment
at UN Headquarters, the State Minister stressed the need for accountability for violations of
international humanitarian law, greater investment in conflict prevention and stronger
coordination among humanitarian, peace and development actors.
She also highlighted the critical role of women in peacebuilding and humanitarian
operations and expressed concern over the growing impact of digital harassment,
disinformation and cyber abuse targeting women and girls. She reiterated her call for a
global platform to address technology-enabled violence.
The State Minister also expressed concern over funding cuts affecting Rohingya
women and girls and reiterated that the repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar remains
the only sustainable solution to the crisis.
On the sidelines of the event, the State Minister also met Dr. Nguyen Minh Vu,
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and discussed issues of mutual interest.
